Method and device for indicating future need for product replacement of random-use dispensing

ABSTRACT

A method and device for indicating whether a dispensable product will require refilling prior to the next scheduled service interval includes tracking the amount of use over a first interval, and calculating a frequency based from the use over the first interval. The quantity remaining is compared with the required amount, which is the product of the number of weeks in the service interval and the calculated frequency. Thus, when the quantity remaining is less that the required amount, a warning will be provided to indicate that the dispensing product should be replaced, as it will be empty before the next service interval.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/425,444 filed on Apr. 17, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/985,205 filed on Nov. 14, 2007, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of dispensing indication systems.More particularly, the invention relates to methods and devices forinventory control and efficient route planning for the supply andmaintenance of dispensers. More specifically, the invention relates tomonitoring devices and methods for indicating whether product in adispenser will require replacement prior to the next scheduled service.

BACKGROUND

Many businesses employ service providers to supply and maintaindispensing systems, including paper towel, toilet paper, and soapdispensers. The service provider must ensure that the dispenser does notempty prior to the next scheduled maintenance, while avoidingunnecessary replacement of product, which increases cost in both servicetime and the product itself. Therefore, there is a need to predict thedepletion of product several weeks in advance and provide indication ofthe same to the service provider.

Dispenser indicators for low product are widely known in the art.However, known dispensers provide indication by fixed recordings ofinformation. In other words, a dispenser will incorporate a counter orsensor that triggers a warning based from a constant value. Onedisadvantage of these prior-art devices is that they may trigger awarning only after complete consumption of the product. Anotherdisadvantage inherent to these prior-art devices is the inability topredict whether the dispenser requires replacement resulting from thedispenser's varying usage.

Improvements have been made in the art to incorporate more parameters indetermining when product should be refilled. One example is U.S. Pat.No. 4,830,791 to Muderlak et al., which teaches an odor-control devicein the nature of an olfactory unit that can power up with the detectionof a user or can be controlled by a fan-timer circuit. The fan-timercircuit allows the operation of dispensing for a predetermined span oftime. The dispenser has a timer circuit that produces a pulse everyfifteen minutes and a counter that monitors these pulses. Once the pulsereaches a predetermined number, an indicator light flashes to representthat the cartridge may potentially be empty. However, Muderlak et al.does not compensate for the random use that is characteristic of a largeportion of product dispensers.

Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,074 belonging to Dial et al. Dialet al. teaches an approach to calculate the dispensing of apredetermined amount of a material. The '074 patent teaches a methodwherein a dispensing score representative of the time of operation of adispenser multiplied by a factor representative of the frequency orintensity of dispensing is calculated, and the calculated dispensingscore is compared with a predetermined total score. The '074 patentdiscloses an alarm when the dispensing score is greater than thepredetermined total score. The '074 patent does not indicate when thedispenser is almost out of fluid but triggers a warning when it isbelieved that complete consumption has occurred. In addition, thefrequency is not determined from random use but is controlled by apreset frequency. Therefore, there is a need to predict and providewarning of the future emptying of a random-use product dispenser.

Thus, because of the time-consuming nature of checking the refillcontainer of each dispenser, it would be beneficial to be able toanticipate with a reasonable level of accuracy when a refill containeris likely to need replacement. By accurately anticipating when a refillcontainer needs to be replaced, the individual may reduce the frequencywith which he or she checks specific dispensers for depleted orinoperable refill containers. As a result, the individual would be ableto allocate the time otherwise spent checking non-depleted or operablerefill containers toward checking and replacing additional depletedrefill containers.

Therefore, there is a need for a method and device that indicates thefuture need for replenishing a product, which reduces the frequency withwhich an individual is required to check to determine if a refillcontainer requires replacement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the present inventionto provide a method and device for indicating future need for productreplacement for random-use dispensing;

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method anddevice for indicating future need for product replacement that isadaptable to receive differing amounts of dispensing material;

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a deviceadaptable to a variety of different product refills that determines theneed of product replacement based on product quantity, next scheduledservice, and random usage (to prevent complete emptying of product priorto next scheduled service).

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a device with anadjustable service interval input that determines the need of productreplacement based on product quantity, next scheduled service, andrandom usage (to prevent complete emptying of product).

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method forindicating when to replace material in a dispenser setting an activationcount to a number representative of the amount of dispenses remaining,setting a service interval for the dispenser over a number of units oftime, decrementing said activation count upon each activation of thedispenser, calculating a running average of material usagerepresentative of one unit of time, comparing said activation count withthe product of said running average and said service interval, andindicating the dispenser requires refilling when said product is greaterthan said activation count.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispenser fordispensing product comprising an activation count setting means forsetting an activation count; a means for setting a service interval forallowing entry of a service interval representative of the number ofunits of time before next service; a dispensing mechanism; an indicationmeans; a controller; and a switch associated with said dispensingmechanism that generates a voltage received by said controller thatdecrements an activation count associated with the number of dispensesof material, wherein said controller compares said activation count withthe product of said service interval and average of material usagerepresentative of one unit of time, said controller sending a signal tosaid indication means when said product is greater than said activationcount.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispenser todispense material from a refill container comprising a controllermaintaining an initial quantity value defining the amount of materialcarried by the refill container; an actuator coupled to said controller;a pump adapted to be operatively coupled to the refill container, saidpump also coupled to said controller, wherein when said actuator isengaged, said pump dispenses an amount of said material from the refillcontainer according to a shot size value maintained by said controller,said controller updating a cumulative usage value maintained thereby bysaid shot size value, and generating a current quantity value based onthe difference between said initial quantity value and said cumulativeusage value; a timer associated with said controller to update a timedcount value, said timer initiated when said refill container is coupledto said pump; and an indicator coupled to said controller, wherein saidcontroller generates an average usage value based on said cumulativeusage value and said timed count value, whereupon said controllergenerates a service interval value based on said current quantity valueand said average usage value, said service interval value displayed bysaid indicator.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispensercomprising a refill container carrying an initial amount of material; acontroller configured to maintain an initial quantity value defined bysaid initial amount of material maintained by said refill container; anactuator coupled to said controller; a pump coupled to said controllerand to said refill container, wherein when said actuator is engaged,said pump dispenses an amount of said material from said refillcontainer according to a shot size value maintained by said controller,said controller updating a cumulative usage value maintained thereby bysaid shot size value, and generating a current quantity value based onthe difference between said initial quantity value and said cumulativeusage value; a timer coupled to said controller to update a timed countvalue, said timer initiated when said refill container is coupled tosaid pump; and an indicator coupled to said controller, wherein saidcontroller generates an average usage value based on said cumulativeusage value and said timed count value, whereupon said controllergenerates a service interval value based on said current quantity valueand said average usage value, said service interval value displayed bysaid indicator.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method ofdetermining the remaining service interval of a refill containercomprising providing a dispenser to dispense material from a refillcontainer, said refill container having an initial amount of saidmaterial; providing an indicator maintained by said dispenser;dispensing material from said refill container in a predetermined shotsize; monitoring the total dispensement of said material from saidinitial amount; generating an average usage value based on the totaldispensement of said material over a period of time; generating aservice interval value indicating the remaining durational operatinglife of said refill container based on the remaining quantity of saidmaterial and said average usage value; and indicating said serviceinterval value via said indicator.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispenser todispense material from a refill container comprising a controllermaintaining an initial quantity value defining the amount of materialcarried by the refill container, said controller including a timer thatmaintains a timed count value that is updated at a predeterminedinterval; an indicator coupled to said controller; an actuator coupledto said controller; a pump coupled to said controller and adapted to beoperatively coupled to the refill container, said controller initiatingsaid timer when the refill container is coupled to said pump, such thatwhen said actuator is engaged, said pump dispenses an amount of materialfrom the refill container according to a predetermined shot size valueand said controller updates a cumulative usage value maintained therebyby said shot size value; wherein said controller calculates an averageusage value from the division of said cumulative usage value and saidtimed count value, said controller calculating a service interval fromthe division of said average usage value and said timed count value thatis communicated via said indicator.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a dispensercomprising a refill container carrying an initial amount of material; acontroller configured to maintain an initial quantity value defined bysaid initial amount of material maintained by the refill container, saidcontroller including a timer that maintains a timed count value that isupdated at a predetermined interval; an indicator coupled to saidcontroller; an actuator coupled to said controller; a pump coupled tosaid controller and adapted to be operatively coupled to the refillcontainer, said controller initiating said timer when the refillcontainer is coupled to said pump, such that when said actuator isengaged, said pump dispenses an amount of material from the refillcontainer according to a predetermined shot size value and saidcontroller updates a cumulative usage value maintained thereby by saidshot size value, wherein said controller calculates an average usagevalue from the division of said cumulative usage value and said timedcount value, said controller calculating a service interval from thedivision of said initial quantity value by said average usage value thatis communicated via said indicator.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method ofdetermining the remaining service interval of a refill containercomprising providing a dispenser to dispense material from a refillcontainer, said refill container having an initial amount of saidmaterial; providing an indicator maintained by said dispenser;dispensing material from said refill container; monitoring the totaldispensement of said material; generating an average usage value basedon the total dispensement of said material over a period of time;generating a service interval value indicating the remaining durationaloperating life of said refill container based on the initial quantity ofsaid material divided by said average usage value; and indicating saidservice interval value via said indicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome better understood with regard to the following description,appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a dispenser in accordance with the concepts ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic of the dispenser showing a controller, anRFID tag reader, a potentiometer, and an LED according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the operational steps for triggering theindicator of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a dispenser with an integrated serviceinterval indicator in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the dispenserthat provides a keypad to enter the capacity of a new refill containerin accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an indicator used to display aservice interval in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing the operational steps taken by thedispenser when calculating a service interval value for display by thedispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing the operational steps taken by thedispenser when calculating an alternative service interval value fordisplay by the dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the presentinvention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, it can beseen that a dispenser made in accordance with the invention isdesignated generally by the numeral 10. The dispenser includes adispenser housing structure of widely-known dispensers, designatedgenerally by the numeral 12. The dispenser housing 12 may be a wall orcounter-mount unit or can be a freestanding unit disposed on acountertop or the like. The dispenser described herein is used fordispensing fluids, such as soaps and other liquids, but it will beappreciated that other products could be dispensed, such as paper,tablets, or any flowable material. In any event, the dispenser housing12 typically includes a cartridge of liquid product 14 positioned aboveand in communication with a dispensing nozzle 16, with an appropriatepump or other dispensing mechanism 18 interposed therebetween. As iswell known by those skilled in the art, the dispensing mechanism 18 isconfigured to dispense a preset amount of liquid upon each dispensingcycle. In accordance with the invention, the dispensing mechanism 18 iscontrolled by an actuating mechanism 20, such as a motor, solenoid,plunger or the like. The mechanism 20 is energized upon the detection ofan object, such as a user's hands, positioned beneath the dispensingnozzle 16. However, the mechanism 20 is not limited to a touch-freedevice and can employ any means of actuation readily known in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 2, it can be seen that an indication circuit,designated generally by the numeral 21, includes a duration dial 22,which allows an end user to select a service interval representative ofthe total amount of time before the next scheduled service. The durationdial 22 consists of a potentiometer 24 and knob 26 representative of theamount of time associated with potentiometer 24. In the preferredembodiment, the service interval is based on a selected number of weeks;however it should be readily apparent that the service interval mayrepresent any time interval. In another embodiment, the service intervalmay be preprogrammed to an arbitrary value, such as four weeks.

The indication circuit 21 also includes a radio frequency identification(“RFID”) tag reader 28 that communicates with an RFID tag 30 included onthe refill cartridge 14. The RFID tag 30 includes an activation count,which will be further described below. In the alternative, theactivation count can be established by a variety of methods, includingbar code technology, a resistor representative of the count positionedon the refill cartridge, or by an amount of product dial (potentiometer31) that allows for manual entry by a service provider. Similar to theservice-interval control, the activation count may also be preprogrammedto an arbitrary value representative to the size of the refill.

The indication circuit 21 includes an activation switch 32 associatedwith actuating mechanism 20. The indication circuit 21 provides anindication in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) 34 that flashes(illuminates) when the cartridge of the dispenser is in need ofreplacement prior to the next service interval. The indication isgenerated prior to complete depletion of the product and only when usagesuggests the product will need to be refilled prior to the next serviceinterval. The LED 34 can be replaced with any warning, such as a buzzer,bulb, or any other device that would provide apparent indication to theservice provider that the dispenser is in need of a replacement refill.It should also be noted that the LED 34 does not have to be positionedon dispenser 10 and can be located remotely.

The indication circuit 21 also includes a controller 36, which receivesdata from duration dial 22, the RFID tag reader 28, and the activationswitch 32. Controller 36 provides the necessary hardware, software, andmemory to implement the functions of the control circuit and properlyoperate the dispenser 10. In the preferred embodiment, the controller 36can read up to six different voltage settings provided by thepotentiometer 24 for the service interval and can adjust the initialactivation count provided by the RFID tag reader 28. The controller 36processes the information provided from the above-stated inputs anddetermines whether to supply voltage to the LED 34. In the preferredembodiment, the controller 36 will produce a signal to blink the LED 34once every two seconds.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 36 could be a microcontroller such asthat manufactured by Zilog. Of course, controllers manufactured byothers could be used. The controller 36 may also include, among othercomponents, multiple oscillators 36A and an analog to digital converter36B. Generally, one of the multiple oscillators 36A could be an internaloscillator, which, if properly enabled, may run continuously. Otheroscillators may be used for other functions. Skilled artisans willappreciate that the controller 36 will operate in low-power modes whenwaiting for the activation switch to be activated and when notperforming calculations. Skilled artisans will also appreciate thataccurate timekeeping can be maintained by using an external watchcrystal or by calibrating the controller's internal oscillator(s) 36A toan external watch crystal. According to one embodiment, the converter36B is utilized by the controller 36 to receive analog voltage signalsgenerated by the duration dial 22. The converter 36B may be in the formof a comparator or an analog-to-digital converter. The controller 36stores weekly usage and activation count to a non-volatile storage onceper day to prevent loss of data during battery replacement.Contemporaneously, the controller 36 averages the daily counts into theweekly average. After servicing the dispenser, the activation count maybe reset to an initial value through a number of ways, including amanual reset switch, a unique serial number on the RFID tag, or thelike.

The operational process performed by the controller 36 for indication isdesignated by the numeral 38, as shown in FIG. 3. The process 38 has astart sequence at step 40. At step 42, the controller 36 stores anactivation count, which is provided by the RFID tag reader 28. Theactivation count represents the total number of dispenses remaining inthe cartridge 14. At step 44, controller 36 stores the service intervalin weeks, which is entered from the duration dial. At step 46,controller 36 monitors the activation switch 32 to determine whether thedispenser has been activated. When the controller 36 detects thedispenser has been activated, the controller 36 increments the dailycount as shown in step 48 and then returns back to step 46. It should benoted that the daily count is initially set to zero but remains inmemory for a weekly average calculation, which will be further discussedbelow.

If the controller 36 does not receive a signal from the activationswitch 32, the controller 36 proceeds to step 50 to determine whether itis the end of the day. When the controller 36 does not detect the end ofthe day, the controller 36 determines whether the refill has beenchanged at step 52. At step 52, the controller 36 either returns to step42 when the controller 36 detects a signal indicating productreplacement or returns to step 46 if replacement has not yet occurred.

If the controller 36 receives a signal indicating the end of the day atstep 50, the controller 36 proceeds to step 54 and subtracts a dailycount from the activation count. At step 56, the controller 36calculates a weekly average by evaluating the current daily count withthe daily counts of the past six days. The weekly average can becalculated even after cartridge replacement because, as stated above,the daily count remains in memory after the service interval and theactivation count have been reset. At step 58, the controller 36 comparesthe product of the weekly average and service interval to the activationcount. If the product of the weekly average and service interval is lessthan the activation count, the controller 36 does not powerlight-emitting diode 34, as shown in step 60. However, when product ofthe weekly average and service interval is greater than the activationcount, the controller 36 sends a signal to flash the LED 34 to indicatethat the dispensing material will be consumed prior to the nextscheduled service, as shown at step 62. After step 62, the controller 36then returns to step 46.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, another embodiment of the present inventionprovides a dispenser 100 with an integrated service interval indicator.The dispenser 100, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, is configured to maintaina replaceable refill container 110 that carries a predetermined quantityof material, such as soap. During operation of the dispenser 100, atimer 120 that is monitored by a controller 150 identifies thecumulative duration in which the refill container 110 has been placedinto use. Using the cumulative duration value, the controller 150identifies the average usage of the refill container 110 to compute aremaining service interval value or optimum service interval value thatidentifies the remaining duration in which the refill container 110 isanticipated to remain operable. As such, the dispenser 100 enables theindividual charged with the replacement of the consumed or depletedrefill containers to reduce the frequency by which they are monitoredbetween their replacement, thereby saving time and resources. Forexample, the time saved from the reduced monitoring frequency may beused to check and monitor additional dispensers that could not normallybe checked by that person.

Specifically, the dispenser 100 includes the controller 150 thatcomprises the necessary hardware and/or software needed to carry out thefunctions to be discussed. Coupled to the controller 150 is a pump 200that is in operative communication with the replaceable refill container110, which maintains a predetermined amount of material, such as soap.An actuator 230 coupled to the controller 150 initiates a dispensingcycle of a predetermined or metered amount of material from a nozzle 240in accordance with a shot size value stored at a memory unit 300. Theactuator 230 may comprise a manually-actuated button, lever, or otherdevice that when physically engaged, initiates the dispensement ofmaterial. Alternatively, the dispenser 100 may be configured to enabletouch-free operation, such that the actuator 230 is configured as aproximity sensor, such as an IR (infrared) sensor, whereby the presenceof the user's hand initiates the dispensing of material from the refillcontainer 110. Furthermore, while the following discussion is directedto refill containers that maintain material such as soap, the refillcontainer 110 may maintain any other suitable type of material,including but not limited to soap, sanitizer, lotion, or any otherviscous, flowable, powder, granular substance or product. It also isforeseen that the dispensers 100 may be readily configured to dispensewipes, tablets, or other products.

The memory unit 300 is coupled to the controller 150 and comprisesnon-volatile memory (NVM), volatile memory, or a combination of both. Inone aspect, the memory unit 300 may be removable from the dispenser 100so that it can be remotely programmed with various data to be discussedand then reinserted at the dispenser 100. In addition, while the memoryunit 300 may be removed from the controller 150, it may be made integraltherewith as well. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the memoryunit 300 may be configured to maintain a memory that is integral withthe dispenser 100 or that is removable from the dispenser 100.

Also coupled to the controller 150 is the timer 120, which is capable ofidentifying the amount of time that has elapsed since the refillcontainer 220 was inserted into the dispenser 100. As such, when thedispenser 100 is operational, the timer 120 generates a timed countvalue that is stored and updated at the memory unit 300. While the timer120 is shown as being a separate component, it may be integral with thecontroller 150. In order to provide power in a format compatible withthe operation of the dispenser, a power supply 400 is coupled to thecontroller 150. The power supply 400 may be configured to receive powerfrom either a portable power source, such as a battery, or a mains powersource, such as 120 VAC provided by a wall outlet. To display theservice interval value computed by the dispenser 100, which representsthe remaining operating life of the refill container 110, a visualand/or audible indicator 450 is coupled to the controller 150. Theindicator 450 comprises any suitable display or display element, such asan LED (light-emitting diode), LCD (liquid crystal display), speaker, orany other device that may provide visual indicia and/or audible promptsto indicate the remaining service interval for the refill container 220.As a non-limiting example, if the dispenser 100 has approximately twoweeks remaining before depletion of the refill, a LED maintained by thedispenser 100 may generate two flashes to indicate that two weeks ofproduct remains.

To enable the generation of either of the remaining or optimum serviceinterval value, which will be discussed below, the controller 150 isrequired to ascertain an initial quantity value from the refillcontainer 110, which identifies the total amount of material in therefill container prior to its installation at the dispenser 100. Asshown in FIG. 1, the initial quantity value may be stored in a refillmemory unit 452 maintained by the refill container 110 that iscommunicated to the controller 150 by an appropriate “reader” when therefill container 110 is installed at the dispenser 100. Alternatively,the memory unit 300 of the dispenser 100 may also be pre-programmed withthe initial quantity value at the time of manufacture, prior to the useof the refill container 110. Specifically, the refill memory unit 452may comprise volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination ofboth.

In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 5, the dispenser 100 may include akeypad 454 coupled to the controller 150 that enables an individualmaintaining the dispenser 100 to manually input the initial quantityvalue that indicates the capacity of material maintained by the refillcontainer 220. For example, the keypad 454 may comprise suitable numericbuttons or may include predetermined quantities associated with eachsize of refill container 110. However, it should be appreciated that thekeypad 454 may also include other key configurations as well. Once theinitial quantity value is input to the dispenser 100, the value isstored at the memory unit 300 where it can be accessed by the controller150 during the computation of the service interval value.

During the operation of the dispenser 100, the controller 150 computeseither of the remaining or the optimum service interval value whichidentifies the remaining operating life of the refill container 110 byprocessing a plurality of values that are maintained at either of thememory unit 300 and/or the controller 150, which include: the initialquantity value, the timed count value, a cumulative usage value, acurrent quantity value, and an average usage value. Specifically, theinitial quantity value identifies the amount of material maintained bythe refill container 110 prior to its installation into the dispenser100; the timed count value identifies the amount of time that haselapsed since the refill container 110 was installed and placed intoservice at the dispenser 100; the cumulative usage value is ascertainedby monitoring the number of dispensing events initiated by the actuator230 and multiplying it by the shot size associated with each dispensingevent; the current quantity value identifies the amount of material thatremains in the refill container when the service interval value isupdated and displayed via the indicator 450; and the average usage valueis derived from the division of the cumulative usage value by the timedcount value, whereby the average usage value is presented in terms ofmaterial quantity per time unit. Thus, such values are maintained and/orprocessed by the controller 150 and/or memory unit 300, in the manner tobe discussed, in order to compute either of the remaining or optimumservice interval value for display via the indicator 450.

In another aspect of the dispenser 100, an indicator 450′, as shown inFIG. 6, allows the user, such as a service technician, to visuallyidentify the amount of material remaining in the refill container 110;the usage rate of the material dispensed from the refill container 110;and when the dispenser 100 requires service. Specifically, the indicator450′ includes a plurality of sections, including an amount of refillremaining section 462, an amount of refill used per week section 464,and a service notification section 466. To visually prompt the user asto the status of sections 462,464, respective indicator groups 468 and470 are associated therewith. The indicator groups 468 and 470 maintainrespective illuminable identifiers 472A-E and 474A-E that areilluminated based on the use of the refill container 110. That is,identifiers 472A, 472B, 472C, 472D, and 472E, which are associated withrespective values ⅛, ¼, ½, ¾, and 1, are illuminated to indicate theremaining amounts of material within the refill container 110.

Additionally, identifiers 474A, 474B, 474C, 474D, and 474E, which areassociated with respective usage values ⅛, ¼, ½, ¾, and 1, areilluminated in a manner that corresponds to the amount of material thatis consumed by the dispenser 100 over a given period of time. That is,the indicator 450′, via identifiers 474A-E, is configured to display theservice interval associated with consumption of material from the refillcontainer 110 over a given period of time, in a manner to be discussed.For example, the indicator 450′ may illuminate identifier 474E,associated with the value “1,” to indicate a service interval when anentire refill container 110 of material is consumed over a given periodof time, or may illuminate identifiers 474D, 474C, 474B, or 474A toindicate a service interval when ¾, ½, ¼, or ⅛ of the material in therefill container 110 is used over a given period of time, such as a weekfor example. It should be appreciated that when a computed serviceinterval value is not exactly equal to the usage values associated withthe identifiers 474A-E, the identifier associated with a usage value474A-E that is closest in magnitude to the computed service intervalvalue is illuminated. In addition, the service notification section 466may also maintain an illuminable identifier 480 that is illuminated whenthe amount of material remaining in the refill container 110 has beendepleted below a predetermined level, to indicate it is in need ofreplacement. For example, the identifier 480 may illuminate when lessthan ⅛ of the material in the refill container 110 remains.

The indicator 450′ may also include a test button 482 that willilluminate the illuminable identifiers 472A-E and 474A-E for apredetermined period of time, such as one minute, when it is depressed.As such, the illuminable identifiers 472A-E and 474A-E may be configuredto only be illuminated, when a test mode is entered upon the depressionof a test button 482, although other embodiments exist where theilluminable identifiers 472A-E and 474A-E are illuminated at all times.It should be appreciated that the test button 482 may include anassociated illuminable identifier 484 that is illuminated when the testmode is entered after the test button 482 has been depressed. Theindicator 450′ may also include a reset button 486 that is used when anew refill container 110 has been installed at the dispenser 100. Thus,when the reset button 486 has been depressed, the indicator groups 466and 468 are set to their default position, whereby identifier 472Eassociated with the value “1” is illuminated to indicate the refillcontainer 110 is full, while identifiers 474A-E are turned off.Furthermore, the depression of the reset button 486 also results in theresetting of the illuminable identifier 480 if it was previouslyilluminated to indicate that the previous refill container 110 wasempty. In addition, the reset button 486 may also have an illuminableidentifier 488 associated therewith that is illuminated to indicate thatthe reset button 486 has been depressed.

With the structural and functional aspects of the components of thedispenser 100 set forth, the following discussion will now present theoperational steps, referred to by the numeral 500, as shown in FIG. 7,that are taken to calculate and display a service interval, which isreferred to as the remaining service interval value. Initially at step510, the refill container 110 is inserted into the dispenser 100 so asto be in operative communication with the pump 200. After the refillcontainer 110 has been inserted, the timer 120 is reset and started, inorder to update the timed count value maintained by the memory unit 300,as indicated at step 512. Somewhat simultaneously with step 512, thecontroller 150 communicates with the refill container 110 to identifythe initial quantity value, which identifies the amount of materialmaintained in the refill container 110, as indicated at step 520. Itshould also be appreciated that in embodiments where the dispenser 100does not communicate with the refill container 110 that the initialquantity value may be input manually via the keypad 454 or ispre-programmed into the dispenser 100 during manufacturing. Next, atstep 530, the initial quantity value is stored at the memory unit 300prior to moving to step 540, whereby the controller 150 determineswhether the actuator 230 has been engaged. If the actuator 230 has notbeen engaged then the process 500 remains at step 540. However, when theactuator 230 is engaged, the process 500 continues to step 550,whereupon the dispenser 100 dispenses an amount of material equal to thepredetermined shot size value that is stored at the memory unit 300.

Next, at step 560 the controller 150 increments a cumulative usage valueby the predetermined shot size value. It should be appreciated that whenthe refill container 110 or cartridge is initially installed into thedispenser 110, the cumulative usage value is set to zero. After thecumulative usage value has been incremented, the controller 150subtracts the cumulative usage value from the initial quantity value toobtain a current quantity value that is stored at the memory unit 300,as indicated at step 570. After the completion of step 570, the process500 continues to step 572, where the controller 150 obtains the timedcount or elapsed time value from the memory unit 300. Next, at step 580,the controller 150 computes an average usage value based on thecumulative usage value divided by the timed count value. The timed countvalue used to calculate the average usage value may be based on any timebasis, such as days, weeks, months, etc. Once the average usage valuehas been computed, the process 500 continues to step 590, where thecontroller 150 divides the current quantity value by the average usagevalue to obtain the remaining service interval value. The computedservice interval time or value is then displayed via the intervalindicator 450 or 450′, as indicated at step 600, and the process returnsto the step of monitoring the actuator at 540 and continuing to indexand update the various values through the process 500.

If a service person notes that the service interval time or value isless than the next scheduled visit, the refill cartridge or container110 may then be replaced, or, alternatively, service personnel may thenschedule a service visit for near the time indicated by the serviceinterval indicator 450. In either event, replacement of the refillcontainer 110 initiates and resets the various counters and registerssuch that the process 500 may begin anew.

In another embodiment, the dispenser 100 may be configured to calculateand display the optimum service interval, which represents the time inwhich the refill container 110 needs replacing based on its completehistorical usage. As such, the operational steps taken by the dispenser100 to compute the service interval are generally referred to by thenumeral 700, as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. Initially at step 710,the refill container 110 is inserted into the dispenser 100 so as to bein operative communication with the pump 200. After the refill container110 has been inserted, the timer 120 is reset and started in order toupdate the timed count value maintained by the memory unit 300, asindicated at step 720. Somewhat simultaneously with step 720, step 730is performed, whereby the controller 150 communicates with the refillcontainer 110 to identify the initial quantity value, which identifiesthe amount of material maintained in the refill container 110. It shouldalso be appreciated that in embodiments where the dispenser 100 does notcommunicate with the refill container 110 that the initial quantityvalue may be input manually via the keypad 454 or is pre-programmed intothe dispenser 100 during manufacturing. Next, at step 740, the initialquantity value is stored at the memory unit 300 prior to moving to step750, whereby the controller 150 determines whether the actuator 230 hasbeen engaged. If the actuator 230 has not been engaged, then the process500 remains at step 750. However, when the actuator 230 is engaged, theprocess 700 continues to step 760, whereupon the dispenser 100 dispensesan amount of material equal to the predetermined shot size value that isstored at the memory unit 300.

Continuing to step 770, the controller 150 increments a cumulative usagevalue by the predetermined shot size value. It should be appreciatedthat when the refill container 110 or cartridge is initially installedinto the dispenser 100, the cumulative usage value is set to zero. Afterthe cumulative usage value has been incremented, the process 700continues to step 780, where the controller 150 obtains the timed countvalue or elapsed time value from the memory unit 300. Next, at step 790,the controller 150 computes an average usage value based on thecumulative usage value divided by the timed count value. The timed countvalue used to calculate the average usage value may be based on any timebasis, such as days, weeks, months, etc. Once the average usage valuehas been computed, the process 700 continues to step 800, where thecontroller 150 divides the initial quantity value by the average usagevalue to obtain the service interval value. The computed optimum serviceinterval time or value is then displayed via the interval indicator 450or 450′, as indicated at step 810, before the process 700 returns to thestep 540, where the process 700 resumes the monitoring of the actuator230.

It will, therefore, be appreciated that one advantage of one or moreembodiments of the present invention is that a dispenser maintains anintegrated service interval indicator to reduce the amount of time anindividual maintaining the dispenser needs to check the capacity of therefill container. Another advantage of the present invention is that adispenser with an integrated service interval indicator utilizes arefill container that provides a refill memory unit, which communicatesthe initial quantity value to the dispenser. Yet another advantage ofthe present invention is that a dispenser with an integrated serviceinterval indicator provides a keypad to enable a user to manually enterthe initial quantity value associated with the refill container into thedispenser. An additional advantage of the present invention is that adispenser with an integrated service interval indicator allows theindividual responsible for replacing depleted refill containers to bemade aware of the anticipated remaining operational life of the refillcontainer without the need to physically open the dispenser to view therefill container, thus saving time and resources.

Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the invention have beensatisfied by the structure and its method for use presented above. Whilein accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferredembodiment has been presented and described in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of theinvention, reference should be made to the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser to dispense material from a refillcontainer, the dispenser comprising; a controller; a reader coupled tosaid controller, said reader adapted to communicate with the refillcontainer, such that an initial quantity value associated with an amountof the material carried by the refill container is identified; anactuator coupled to said controller; and a pump coupled to saidcontroller, said pump adapted to be operatively coupled to the refillcontainer, wherein when said actuator is actuated, said pump dispenses apredetermined amount of the material from the refill container,whereupon a cumulative usage value is updated by said predeterminedamount, and a current quantity value is determined from the differencebetween said initial quantity value and said cumulative usage value;wherein a total time value is updated when said refill container iscoupled to said pump, such that based on said total time value and saidcumulative usage value and average usage value is determined, andwherein a service interval value is determined based on said currentquantity value and said average usage value.
 2. The dispenser of claim1, wherein said reader comprises an RFID tag reader.
 3. The dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein said actuator comprises a proximity sensor.
 4. Thedispenser of claim 1, wherein said service interval is determined bydividing said current quantity value by said average usage value.
 5. Adispenser to dispense material from a refill container, the dispensercomprising: a controller; a reader coupled to said controller, saidreader adapted to communicate with the refill container, such that aninitial quantity value associated with an amount of the material carriedby the refill container is identified; an actuator coupled to saidcontroller; and a pump coupled to said controller, said pump adapted tobe operatively coupled to the refill container, wherein when saidactuator is actuated, said pump dispenses a predetermined amount of thematerial from the refill container, whereupon a cumulative usage valueis updated by said predetermined amount; wherein a total time value isupdated when said refill container is coupled to said pump, such thatbased on said total time value and said cumulative usage value anaverage usage value is determined, and wherein a service interval valueis determined based on said initial quantity value and said averageusage value.
 6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein said reader comprisesan RFID tag reader.
 7. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein said actuatorcomprises a proximity sensor.
 8. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein saidservice interval is determined by dividing said initial quantity valueby said average usage value.
 9. A dispenser to dispense material from arefill container, the dispenser comprising; a controller; a readercoupled to said controller, said reader adapted to communicate with therefill container, such that an initial quantity value associated with anamount of the material carried by the refill container is identified; anactuator coupled to said controller; and a pump coupled to saidcontroller, said pump adapted to be operatively coupled to the refillcontainer, wherein when said actuator is actuated, said pump dispenses apredetermined amount of the material from the refill container,whereupon a cumulative usage value is updated by said predeterminedamount, and a current quantity value is determined from the differencebetween said initial quantity value and said cumulative usage value;wherein a total time value is updated when said refill container iscoupled to said pump, such that based on said total time value and saidcumulative usage value and average usage value is determined, andwherein a remaining service interval value is determined by dividingsaid current quantity value by said average usage value.
 10. Thedispenser of claim 9, wherein said actuator comprises a proximitysensor.
 11. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein said refill containercomprises an RFID tag and said reader comprises an RFID tag reader thatreads said RFID tag.
 12. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein said refillcontainer comprises a bar code, and said reader comprises a bar codereader.
 13. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein said refill containercomprises a resistor representative of said initial quantity value. 14.The dispenser of claim 9, wherein said refill container comprises apotentiometer enabling manual entry of said initial quantity value. 15.The dispenser of claim 5, wherein said refill container comprises a barcode, and said reader comprises a bar code reader.
 16. The dispenser ofclaim 5, wherein said refill container comprises a resistorrepresentative of said initial quantity value.
 17. The dispenser ofclaim 5, wherein said refill container comprises a potentiometerenabling manual entry of said initial quantity value.
 18. The dispenserof claim 1, wherein said refill container comprises a bar code, and saidreader comprises a bar code reader.
 19. The dispenser of claim 1,wherein said refill container comprises a resistor representative ofsaid initial quantity value.
 20. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein saidrefill container comprises a potentiometer enabling manual entry of saidinitial quantity value.